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the Insight

Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.

Ric Comline by Ric Comline on 2nd October 2023

As we kick off this month's animation focus, Ric Comline, Creative Director at Blind Pig, and champion of the versatile motion designer, poses a question; are all animators are born equal? Maybe, he says. But, also, maybe not.

29th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
Casting around for change; why the people on screen can make a difference

Casting around for change; why the people on screen can make a difference

While brands might request diversity in a campaign’s cast, are enough really pushing for difference? Alexandra Green, director at Bullion, explains why directors need to lead the charge for change.

28th Sep PURPOSE-LED AND POLITICS FOCUS
In transition: how brands can adapt to a changing gender landscape

In transition: how brands can adapt to a changing gender landscape

Despite increasing queer visibility in advertising, transgender and non-binary representation remains a minefield for brands – with the Bud Light backlash a stark reminder of the risks of getting it wrong. Selena Schleh speaks to members and allies of the trans+ community about proper pronouns and performative versus true brand allyship.

27th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
When advertising becomes activism

When advertising becomes activism

Brand activism and purpose are tied at the hip these days, and the results can be spectacular – even more so when the risks are high. Here, Tim Cumming talks to risk-taking creatives in the UK, America and the Middle East about the power and perils of brand activism

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I’m a post-Barbie girl in a post-Barbie world… so what happens now? I’m a post-Barbie girl in a post-Barbie world… so what happens now?
25th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS

I’mapost-Barbiegirlinapost-Barbieworld…sowhathappensnow?

This summer the world turned pink as Barbie cut a swathe through the cultural landscape and women everywhere rejoiced as a plastic toy celebrated feminism and overturned the patriarchy. But, reflecting in the more sober autumnal light, did that really happen, or were we all just victims of a fuchsia-coloured cult?

21st Sep
How AI broke down the doors of perception and rekindled my creativity

How AI broke down the doors of perception and rekindled my creativity

Olaf van Gerwen, director and founder of food marketing company Chuck Studios, reveals why AI-induced insecurity may be good for us.

15th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
Planting the seeds of change; why agencies need to practice what they preach

Planting the seeds of change; why agencies need to practice what they preach

Advertising is often thought of as an irresponsible industry that makes people buy things they don't need, with money they don't have, at the expense of our planet. Josh Tenser, ECD and co-founder of new creative collective, Calling, explains how when we question our own intentions and maintain integrity on an individual level, we can help to create meaningful change from the inside out.

15th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
Why accessibility on social media can't be an afterthought

Why accessibility on social media can't be an afterthought

Despite a plethora of social media platforms, many of them get a thumbs down when it comes to accessibility tools and accessibility-oriented site policies. With 16% of the global population living with significant disabilities, Christina Miller, Head of Social at VMLY&R, says that brands can't afford to treat those people as an afterthought.

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British Arrows 2024 jury chairs hold court British Arrows 2024 jury chairs hold court
13th Sep

BritishArrows2024jurychairsholdcourt

W+K London CCOs, Ana and Hermeti Balarin, and founding editor at Final Cut, Rick Russell, have been announced as the jury chairs for the 2024 British Arrows. Here, they discuss the current state of creative advertising, the challenges of chairing a jury, and why confidence is key if clients want to stand out.

11th Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
Is it possible to work in advertising and have a conscience?

Is it possible to work in advertising and have a conscience?

Would you work on a campaign for an arms company? Probably not. A tobacco company? No, it's illegal. At least it is in the UK, but how about elsewhere in the world? And what about fossil fuel? Or sugary drinks? Or alcohol? Moral decisions can sometimes be a maze of 'ifs and buts' and, as The Moon Unit outlines, while a moral framework is incredibly important, it's also fraught with dilemmas.

1st Sep PURPOSE-LED & POLITICS FOCUS
The cancel culture concern; why we can’t let perfection prevent progress​

The cancel culture concern; why we can’t let perfection prevent progress​

We kick off our Purpose-led and Politics Focus for this month with Louise Robertson, Senior Lead of Brand Strategy at ScienceMagic, examining cancel culture's seven deadly sins and how brands' attempts at sustainability are being undermined by a quest for unattainable perfection.

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Access the world's largest advertising database. With an intuitive toolset that helps you explore, present and collaborate more effectively.

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shots is powered by Slate

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